Man denies racist murder of scientist Dr Fortune Gomo in Dundee as trial date set for 2028

A man has denied the racially-aggravated murder of a scientist in Dundee.

Kyler Rattray, 21, is accused of attacking Dr Fortune Gomo, 39, near her home on South Road on 5 July last year.

He is accused of striking her repeatedly on the body with a knife, which prosecutors say was aggravated by race, nationality or ethnicity.

Rattray, 21, faces a second charge of illegally having a knife in public.

The suspect pleaded not guilty during a remote hearing via video link at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday.

Defence lawyer Iain Paterson KC said a mental health report would be prepared in the coming months and that Professor Baron-Cohen would assess whether his client had autism "which might link it to a mental health defence - whether his responsibility was diminished regarding this particular crime".

Mr Paterson said there was "no getting away" that it was a "troubling case".

The trial is due to begin in January 2028 at the High Court in Dundee.

Dr Gomo, a mother, graduated from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Zimbabwe and obtained a PhD in Geography and Environmental Science from the University of Dundee, according to social media.

She was working for Scottish Water at the time of her death.

Professor Simon Parsons, director of environment planning and assurance at Scottish Water, described his late colleague as an "exceptional scientist" who had become a "highly valued and respected member" of the team.

Angela Machonesa, who studied with Dr Gomo at Chinhoyi High School and at NUST, also paid tribute to her friend in a post on Facebook.

She said: "Her brilliance in the classroom was only matched by her emotional intelligence.

"She was the kind of person you'd go to when you needed clarity, not just of mind, but of heart. She listened. She cared. She uplifted.

"No wonder she went on to earn her PhD. It was only natural. Her path was written in the stars long ago. To serve. To lead. To heal."

More from Sky News:
Russell Brand trial live
Inquiry to be held into death of paedophile ex-football coach

Following Dr Gomo's death, Police Scotland said it was aware of "misinformation" being shared online and urged members of the public not to speculate on the circumstances of the case.

(c) Sky News 2026: Man denies racist murder of scientist Dr Fortune Gomo in Dundee as trial date set for 2028